Amijima Shinjū: Koharu Jihē [The Love Suicide at Amijima: Koharu and Jihē]

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Amijima Shinjū: Koharu Jihē ["The Love Suicide at Amijima: Koharu and Jihē"]

Shōrin, Hakuchi [performed by]; Namiue, Gisa[burō] [transcribed by]; Suzuki, Anjirō [edited by]; Toyohara, Kunichika [illustrated by].

Tōkyō: Yamato Shinbunsha, Meiji 30 [1897].

A complete transcription in four issues of a performance by professional storyteller Shōrin Hakuchi (1856-1932) of the story of the tragic romance between the courtesan Koharu and the paper seller Jihē. The original work was composed in 1720 by Chikamatsu Monzaemon as a bunraku puppet play. The issues, which have been printed using movable type, were published as supplements to the Yamato Shinbun newspaper. Each of the issues features a colour woodblock-printed upper wrapper designed by ukiyo-e artist Toyohara Kunichika and a single-page monochrome illustration internally. The title on the upper wrappers reads Ten no Amijima: Koharu Jihē. 

Four stab-bound (yamatotoji) issues, complete, on single leaves. Original wrappers lightly soiled, worn, and creased, binding strings cut, some leaves thus loose. Small wormholes and stains internally. Leaves dog-eared, occasional chips and losses to extremities. 16; 16; 16; 16 pages. Issues measure approx. 24 x 17.4 cm. 

Amijima Shinjū: Koharu Jihē [The Love Suicide at Amijima: Koharu and Jihē]
Price: $280.00 (USD)